Suspension Leveling Kits

What a leveling kit does

Many pickups and SUVs sit lower in front than in back from the factory. The difference, called rake, lets the vehicle carry a load without squatting. A leveling kit raises the front to bring the stance closer to even. It is the lowest-cost, simplest route to a taller look and to clearance for a modest tire increase.

Types of front leveling kits

How the kit works depends on the front suspension design.

• Spacers: Metal or polyurethane spacers sit above the coil spring or strut. They are simple, but they do not change spring rate.
• Strut extensions and complete strut assemblies: Used on strut-style front ends, and the latter replace the whole strut for a matched ride.
• Torsion bar keys: On torsion bar trucks, replacement keys change the bar's preload to lift the front, and some are adjustable.
• Coil springs: Replacement springs with a different height can level the front while setting a new rate.

Limits to understand

Leveling changes only the front, so it does not add rear lift or additional wheel travel. Raising the front alters alignment angles, which can mean faster tire wear if you skip the alignment. Stretching the front suspension, especially with spacers that rely on stock shocks, can push CV axles and ball joints to steeper angles. For those reasons, most makers set a maximum recommended lift height, and larger numbers often require longer shocks or a complete lift kit.

What to compare

• Lift height range and whether it is adjustable.
• Whether the kit includes shocks or struts, or reuses stock ones.
• Material: steel, aluminum or polyurethane spacers.
• Which trim levels, drive types and cab styles are covered.
• Any note about suspension packages such as off-road or tow options.

Installation notes

Installation needs spring compressors on many vehicles, which is dangerous without proper tools, so professional installation is recommended. Follow the maker's torque specifications, and have the alignment checked right afterward. After installation, headlight aim should be rechecked because a raised front end points the beams higher.

Fitment and rules

Always confirm fitment for your exact year, make, model and drivetrain, and check the manufacturer's specifications. Rules about vehicle height and tire size vary by state, so check local regulations.

Measuring before you buy

Measure from the center of the front wheel to the fender edge, and do the same at the rear, to see the actual rake. Recording this before installation gives you a baseline. Note that fender-to-ground measurements change with fuel load, cargo and tire pressure, so compare under similar conditions.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the highest setting on an adjustable torsion bar kit without checking the CV axle angles.
• Forgetting to re-aim the headlights.
• Mixing very different tire sizes after leveling, which affects the speedometer and gearing.
• Expecting a leveling kit to improve off-road travel, when its main job is changing stance.

Check for the manufacturer's note on whether the kit works with factory off-road packages.

Also confirm the lift fits the tire size you want by checking the wheel's backspacing, since a taller front with a wider tire can rub the control arms or fender liner. Test by turning the wheels lock to lock at full height before trusting the setup on the highway.